Meghan (Farley) Kluegel
MEGHAN KLUEGEL

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated regarding Meghan. Thank you for visiting and for your continued support, encouragement and prayers.

In June of 2017, Meghan experienced random swelling on one side of her neck. After some time, the swelling went away, and came back around Christmas time. When she noticed swelling develop on the other side of her neck and down into her left armpit, she went to the doctor for her annual physical, in which she found her white blood cell count was elevated to a 26 (Normal range 10-12). Due to those elevated results, her physician instructed her to see an oncologist that day. At a glance, based on her physical appearance, results from an ultrasound and her elevated blood cell count, her oncologist was able to come to the conclusion that it was most likely Lymphoma, cancer of the lymph nodes. Following the appointment, multiple tests and scans were ordered to confirm that it was in fact Lymphoma.

A swollen Lymphnode the size of a golf ball was extracted from Meghan's armpit, and Meghan was diagnosed with Stage 2 Nodular Hodgkins Lymphoma. A CT and PET Scan were ordered, to show where the cancer was present in her body, which determined the cancer had spread from her neck, to her armpits, down to her chest. Due to the fact that it has remained above her diaphragm, it remains a stage 2. Once below the diaphragm, it can lead to stage 3 or 4.

She had her Echo gram (heart test) on 2/12 and all results came back with no concerns.

Her chemo port was successfully inserted on Tuesday, 2/13.

On Wednesday, 2/14, they conducted a bonemarrow biopsy on both sides of her hips. This was the final attempt to confirm that it is Stage 2, and hasn't gone into her bones leading to stage 4. Results came back negative! She remains at a Stage 2.

Starting Friday 2/16, Meghan will begin her treatment journey; Chemotherapy. She will do 2 rounds of Chemotherapy, every other Friday, consisting of 4 hours, for the next 4-6 months pending treatment results. This will take big tolls on her body, however she is hopeful and positive knowing that this is a very treatable illness, and believes this is the best route for her to take. She has confirmed with a second oncologist that Chemotherapy is the best option for treatment and should be started immediately, given that the tumors are sizable and to prevent complications moving forward.

Needless to say, this has been an overwhelming month for Meghan. Discovering all of this in such a short time frame. Despite all of it, Meghan has had an immensely positive, uplifted spirit throughout the experience. She is such a fighter, and she is not going to let this illness define her. As her friend, I started this Caring Bridge site because I believe in the power of positivity and prayer. I know there are a lot of people out there who love Meghan, and anything we can do to uplift, support, and love her throughout her journey, her and Matt will accept with open arms and gratitude.

We love you, Meghan! Keep on fighting, and we will continue to uplift you every step of the way!